The United Kingdom has specific entry requirements for citizens of different countries. As of June 2025, UK Visa For NORWEGIAN CITIZENS and UK Visa For OMANI CITIZENS need to be aware of the current regulations before planning their travel to the UK. This article outlines the essential visa information for both nationalities.
UK Visa Requirements for Norwegian Citizens
Historically, as part of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norwegian citizens enjoyed relatively free movement to the UK. However, post-Brexit, the rules have changed. Now, for short-term visits, Norwegians do not require a traditional visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The UK ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK and is mandatory for Norwegian passport holders for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term study. Without a valid ETA, boarding or entry into the UK will likely be denied.
Key points regarding the UK ETA for Norwegians:
Mandatory Requirement: As of April 2, 2025, a UK ETA is required for Norwegian citizens for short stays.
Validity: The ETA is typically valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing for multiple entries. Each visit under the ETA can last up to six months.
Application Process: The application is done online via the UK government website or a dedicated app. It requires providing personal and passport details and a recent photograph.
Processing Time: While it can take up to three business days, it is often faster.
No Paper Printout Required: The ETA is electronically linked to the passport.
Permitted Activities: With an ETA, Norwegians can engage in tourism, visit family and friends, undertake certain business activities (like meetings), and participate in short-term studies (up to 6 months). They can also transit through the UK.
Restricted Activities: The ETA does not permit stays longer than 6 months, paid or unpaid employment (with limited exceptions), access to public funds, or actions towards establishing residency, such as marriage.
In summary, Norwegian citizens planning a short trip to the UK in 2025 need to apply for and receive a UK ETA prior to their travel.
UK Visa Requirements for Omani Citizens
For Omani citizens, the visa requirements for the UK have also evolved. As of February 2024, the UK launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Omani nationals, replacing the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system.
Similar to Norwegians, Omani citizens now require a UK ETA for short-term visits to the UK for purposes including tourism, visiting family or friends, business, and short-term study.
Key points regarding the UK ETA for Omanis:
Mandatory Requirement: Omani citizens must obtain a UK ETA to visit the UK for short stays.
Validity: The ETA is generally valid for two years from the approval date or until the passport expires, allowing multiple entries with stays of up to six months per entry.
Application Process: The application is online, requiring a clear photo of the passport's front page and a recent photograph of the applicant.
Processing Time: Decisions on ETA applications are usually made within 3-5 working days.
Digital Link: The approved ETA is digitally linked to the Omani passport, so a paper printout is not necessary.
Permitted Activities: The UK ETA allows Omanis to enter the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business activities, or short-term study.
Restricted Activities: Like the ETA for Norwegians, Omanis with an ETA cannot stay longer than 6 months, engage in employment (except for permitted paid engagements), access public funds, or seek to establish residency through frequent visits or marriage.
For longer stays or purposes not covered by the ETA (such as long-term work or study), Omani citizens will need to apply for a relevant UK visa, such as a Standard Visitor visa, a Short-term study visa, or a Skilled Worker visa, depending on their reason for travel.
In conclusion, Omani citizens intending to travel to the UK for short visits in 2025 must apply for and secure a UK ETA before their departure. For other travel purposes or longer durations, a specific UK visa might be necessary. It is always recommended to check the latest official UK government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
